>> This month marks Irvine Contemporary’s second anniversary. Help celebrate by checking out their exhibit, “Christine Kesler: New Directions,” opening Friday (reception 6-8 p.m.). Work on display includes multi-media collages by the MICA graduate.

>> Conner Contemporary Art also opens a new exhibit Friday, featuring the work of Wayne Gonzales. A New Orleans-born but New York-based artist, Gonzales uses his paintings as a means of political commentary. For the works in this show, he focused on the politics of today’s real estate market. With D.C. going through such a boom right now, this show seems like a timely and interesting view into the price we pay for constructing luxury condos everywhere. Gonzales’ Boca III is shown. Stop by Friday from 6-8 p.m. and enjoy the gallery’s opening reception.

>> Over on 14th Street, Hemphill Fine Arts has a new exhibit (also opening Friday) featuring sculpture by Mary Early and paintings and works on paper by William Willis. DCist is intrigued by Early’s ability to combine concrete and beeswax into star or shell-like forms. Willis’ geometric, textured paintings also are worthy of a visit to the gallery.